JP7060585B2 - Neighboring cell list in satellite communication system - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications This application is filed with the Indian Patent Office on September 13, 2016, patent application number 201641031251 and November 21, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Claims the priority and interests of Patent Application No. 201644039659 filed with the Indian Patent Office.

The various aspects described herein relate to wireless communication and, in more detail, to Neighbor Cell Lists (NCLs), including, but not limited to, beam information about neighboring cells and other information.

Traditional satellite-based communication systems include a gateway and one or more satellites to relay communication signals between the gateway and one or more user terminals (UTs). A gateway is a ground station having an antenna for transmitting a signal to a communication satellite and receiving a signal from the communication satellite. The gateway provides a communication link using satellites to connect the UT to other UTs or users of public switched telephone networks, the Internet, and other communication systems such as various public and / or private networks. do. Satellites are orbiting receivers and repeaters used to relay information.

A satellite can receive signals from and send signals to UT as long as the UT is within the satellite's "footprint". A satellite footprint is a geographical area on the surface of the earth within the range of a satellite signal. Footprints are typically geographically divided into multiple "beams" through the use of antennas (for example, antennas may be used to form a fixed static beam, or beam. May be used to form a dynamically adjustable beam through forming techniques). The cell may constitute any forward link frequency within the beam. If each beam uses only one frequency, the "cell" and "beam" are interchangeable. Each beam covers a specific geographic area within the footprint. Beams can be directed so that multiple beams from the same satellite cover the same particular geographic area. In addition, beams from multiple satellites can be directed to cover the same geographic area.

Geostationary satellites have long been used for communication. Geostationary satellites are stationary with respect to a given location on Earth. However, geostationary satellites are limited to geosynchronous orbit (GSO), which is a circle just above the equator with a radius of about 42,164 km from the center of the earth, so the number of satellites that can be placed in GSO is limited.

As an alternative to geostationary satellites, communication systems that utilize the placement of satellites in non-geostationary orbits (LEOs) have been devised to provide communication coverage for the entire globe or at least most of the globe. In non-geostationary satellite-based systems, such as LEO satellite-based systems, satellites move relative to terrestrial communication devices (such as gateways or UTs). Since satellites are moving, we need a technique that allows UT to obtain information about which satellites can serve UT.

The following provides a simplified overview of some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not an extensive overview of all the intended features of the present disclosure, nor does it identify the main or important elements of any aspect of the present disclosure, and any or all aspects of the present disclosure. It does not define the range of. Its sole purpose is to present various concepts of some aspects of the present disclosure in simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication, including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor and memory are configured to determine a neighboring cell list containing the starting angle and span for at least one satellite and send the neighboring cell list to the device. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for communication, comprising determining a neighboring cell list including a starting angle and span for at least one satellite, and transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device. do. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication. The device includes means for determining a neighboring cell list, including a starting angle and span for at least one satellite, and means for transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a non-remembering computer-executable code, including a code for determining a neighboring cell list containing a starting angle and span for at least one satellite and transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device. Provide a temporary computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication, including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor and memory are configured to receive a neighboring cell list containing the starting angle and span for at least one satellite and identify the target beam based on the neighboring cell list. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

Another aspect of the disclosure is for communication, comprising receiving a neighboring cell list including a starting angle and span for at least one satellite, and identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. Provide a method. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication. The device includes means for receiving a neighboring cell list including a starting angle and span for at least one satellite, and means for identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer executable code that includes a code for receiving a neighboring cell list containing a starting angle and span for at least one satellite and identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. Provide a stored non-temporary computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication, including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor and memory are configured to determine a neighboring cell list containing beam indication information for at least one satellite and send the neighboring cell list to the device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for communication comprising the step of determining a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite and the step of transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication. The device includes means for determining a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite and means for transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a non-temporary storage of computer executable code, including a code for determining a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite and transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device. Provide a computer-readable medium.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication, including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor and memory are configured to receive a neighboring cell list containing beam indication information for at least one satellite and identify the target beam based on the neighboring cell list.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a method for communication comprising receiving a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite and identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. I will provide a.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device configured for communication. The device includes means for receiving a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite and means for identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to store a computer executable code that receives a neighboring cell list containing beam indication information for at least one satellite and contains a code for identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. Provide non-temporary computer-readable media.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by examining embodiments for carrying out the following inventions. Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the following description of the particular embodiments of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures. Although the features of the present disclosure may be discussed for several implementations and figures below, all implementations of the present disclosure include one or more of the advantageous features described herein. obtain. In other words, one or more implementations may be described as having some advantageous features, one or more of which are also described herein in the present disclosure. Can be used according to various implementations of. Similarly, some implementations can be discussed below as implementations of devices, systems, or methods, but it should be understood that such implementations can be implemented with different devices, systems, and methods. ..

The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of aspects of the present disclosure and are provided solely for illustration of aspects, not limitations.

It is a block diagram of an exemplary communication system according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a block diagram of an example of the terrestrial network (GN) of FIG. 1 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a block diagram of an example of the satellite of FIG. 1 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a block diagram of an example of UT of FIG. 1 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a block diagram of an example of the user equipment of FIG. 1 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary transmitter and receiver devices according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a block diagram of an exemplary communication system according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a figure which shows the example of the neighborhood cell list (NCL) transmission by some aspect of this disclosure. It is a figure which shows the example of the normal neighborhood cell list (NCL) transmission by some aspect of this disclosure. It is a figure which shows the example of the seam neighborhood cell list (NCL) transmission by some aspect of this disclosure. It is a figure which shows the exemplary scheduling over a plurality of subframes by some aspects of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the idle mode acquisition process by some aspect of this disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary geometry for the process of FIG. 12 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the idle mode acquisition process by some aspect of this disclosure. It is a figure which shows the example of a satellite attitude. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware implementation of a device (eg, an electronic device) capable of supporting neighbor cell list communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows the exemplary process for providing a neighborhood cell list by some aspect of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows another exemplary process for providing a neighborhood cell list by some aspect of this disclosure. It is a flowchart which shows another exemplary process for providing a neighborhood cell list by some aspect of this disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another exemplary hardware implementation of a device (eg, an electronic device) capable of supporting neighbor cell list communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for identifying a beam according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart showing another exemplary process for identifying a beam according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for reselecting a beam according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for using satellite attitude and irradiation information according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

Various aspects of the disclosure relate to a list of neighboring cells and allowing a user terminal (UT) to obtain information about nearby cells. In the first example, the Neighbor Cell List can be sent to one or more UTs, and the Neighbor Cell List identifies cells in or near the UT and any associated with those cells. Provides information about the beam. The criteria that define the neighborhood or neighborhood of the UT are (but not limited to) cell velocity, cell movement direction, cell on / off schedule, cell / beam indication angle, satellite position, satellite attitude (pitch, roll). , Yaw), the distance from the UT to the cell, the velocity of the UT and the direction of movement. Therefore, the UT can know the neighboring beams / cells that the UT can reselect if the current beam / cell becomes weak. The UT can then use this information to determine which cell of the satellite the UT should look for, and which beam of the satellite the UT should point to. For example, the UT can use this information to identify the target beam for reselection. In the second example, the neighboring cell list may include starting angles and spans for one or more satellites. In this case, the UT can identify the target beam for reselection based on the starting angle and span information.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the following description and related drawings for a particular embodiment. Alternative embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, well-known elements are not described or omitted in detail so as not to obscure the relevant details of this disclosure.

Figure 1 includes satellite communication systems 100, satellites 300, which include multiple satellites in non-geostationary orbit, such as low earth orbit (LEO) (although only one satellite 300 is shown for clarity). Multiple terrestrial networks 200 communicating (eg, corresponding to satellite gateways or satellite network portals), multiple UT400s and 401s communicating with satellites 300, and multiple user devices communicating with UT400s and 401s, respectively (UE). ) Examples of 500 and 501 are shown. Each UE500 or 501 can be a user device, such as a mobile device, phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, computer, wearable device, smartwatch, audiovisual device, or any device that includes the ability to communicate with the UT. .. In addition, the UE 500 and / or UE 501 can be devices used to communicate with one or more end-user devices (eg, access points, small cells, etc.). In the example shown in Figure 1, the UT400 and UE500 communicate with each other over a bidirectional access link (having a forward and return access link), and similarly, the UT401 and UE501 are separate bidirectional access links. Communicate with each other via. In another implementation, one or more additional UEs (not shown) may be configured to receive only and therefore to communicate with the UT using only forward access links. In another implementation, one or more additional UEs (not shown) may also communicate with the UT400 or UT401. Alternatively, the UT and corresponding UE can be an integral part of a single physical device, such as a mobile phone with a built-in satellite transceiver and antenna for direct communication with the satellite.

The GN200 may have access to the Internet 108, or to one or more other types of public, semi-private, or private networks. In the example shown in Figure 1, the GN200 is communicating with Infrastructure 106, which accesses the Internet 108, or one or more other types of public, semi-private, or private networks. It is possible. The GN200 can also be coupled to various types of communication backhaul, including fixed line networks such as, for example, fiber optic networks or public switched telephone networks (PSTN) 110. In addition, in an alternative implementation, the GN200 interfaces with the Internet 108, PSTN110, or one or more other types of public, semi-private, or private networks without the use of infrastructure 106. obtain. Furthermore, the GN200 may communicate with other GNs, such as the GN201, through the infrastructure 106, or instead may be configured to communicate with the GN201 without using the infrastructure 106. Infrastructure 106, in whole or in part, is a network control center (NCC), satellite control center (SCC), wired and / or wireless core network, and / or operation of satellite communication system 100 and / or satellite communication system 100. It may include any other component or system used to assist in communication with.

Communication between satellites 300 and GN200 in both directions is called a feeder link, and communication between satellites in both directions and each of UT400 and 401 is called a service link. A single route from satellite 300 to a ground station, which can be one of the GN200 or UT400 and 401, can commonly be referred to as a downlink. A single route from the ground station to the satellite 300 can be commonly referred to as the uplink. In addition, as shown, the signal can have general directional, such as forward and return links (or reverse links). Therefore, a communication link that starts at GN200 and ends at UT400 through satellite 300 is called a forward link, and a communication link that starts at UT400 and ends at GN200 through satellite 300 is called a return or reverse link. .. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the signal path from GN200 to satellite 300 is named "forward feeder link" 112, while the signal path from satellite 300 to GN200 is named "return feeder link" 114. Similarly, in FIG. 1, the signal path from each UT400 or 401 to satellite 300 is named "return service link" 116, while the signal path from satellite 300 to each UT400 or 401 is a "forward service link". It is named 118.

According to the teachings herein, the satellite communication system 100 manages Neighbor Cell List (NCL) information. In some implementations, the GN200 includes a controller 122 that communicates NCL information and / or determines NCL information. In some implementations, the controller 122 receives the NCL information and transfers the NCL information to the UT. In some implementations, controller 122 generates NCL information and forwards NCL information 124 to the UT. In some implementations, the UT400 includes a controller 126 that receives and manages a local copy of NCL information. Other components of the satellite communication system 100 may also include a corresponding controller. For example, other GNs, satellites, and UTs (not shown) may include corresponding controllers.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of the GN200, which may also apply to the GN201 of FIG. As the GN200 includes several antennas 205, RF subsystem 210, digital subsystem 220, public switched telephone network (PSTN) interface 230, local area network (LAN) interface 240, GN interface 245, and GN controller 250. It is shown. The RF subsystem 210 is coupled to the antenna 205 and the digital subsystem 220. The digital subsystem 220 is coupled to the PSTN interface 230, the LAN interface 240, and the GN interface 245. The GN controller 250 is coupled to an RF subsystem 210, a digital subsystem 220, a PSTN interface 230, a LAN interface 240, and a GN interface 245.

An RF subsystem 210, which may include several RF transceivers 212, an RF controller 214, and an antenna controller 216, can send communication signals to the satellite 300 via the forward feeder link 301F, and the return feeder link 301R. Communication signals can be received from the satellite 300 via the transceiver. Although not shown for brevity, each of the RF transceivers 212 may include a transmit chain and a receive chain. Each receive chain may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and a downconverter (eg, a mixer) for amplifying and downconverting the received communication signal in a well-known manner, respectively. In addition, each receive chain may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the received communication signal from an analog signal to a digital signal (eg, for processing by the digital subsystem 220). Each transmission chain may include an upconverter (eg, a mixer) and a power amplifier (PA) for upconverting and amplifying the communication signal to be transmitted to the satellite 300 in a well-known manner, respectively. In addition, each transmit chain may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for converting the digital signal received from the digital subsystem 220 into an analog signal to be transmitted to the satellite 300.

The RF controller 214 can be used to control various aspects of some RF transceivers 212, such as carrier frequency selection, frequency and phase calibration, gain settings, and so on. The antenna controller 216 can control various aspects of the antenna 205 (eg, beamforming, beam steering, gain setting, frequency adjustment, etc.).

The digital subsystem 220 may include several digital receiver modules 222, some digital transmitter modules 224, a baseband (BB) processor 226, and a control (CTRL) processor 228. The digital subsystem 220 can process the communication signal received from the RF subsystem 210 and transfer the processed communication signal to the PSTN interface 230 and / or the LAN interface 240, and the PSTN interface 230 and / or the LAN interface. The communication signal received from 240 can be processed and the processed communication signal can be transferred to the RF subsystem 210.

Each digital receiver module 222 may correspond to a signal processing element used to manage communication between the GN200 and the UT400. One of the receive chains of the RF transceiver 212 can provide input signals to multiple digital receiver modules 222. Several digital receiver modules 222 may be used to accept all of the satellite beams and possible diversity mode signals being treated at any given time. Although not shown for brevity, each digital receiver module 222 may include one or more digital data receivers, searcher receivers, and diversity synthesizer and decoder circuits. Searcher receivers may be used to search for the appropriate diversity mode of a carrier signal, and may be used to search for a pilot signal (or other strong signal with a relatively unchanged pattern). ..

The digital transmitter module 224 may process the signal to be transmitted to the UT400 via satellite 300. Although not shown for brevity, each digital transmitter module 224 may include a transmit modulator that modulates the data for transmission. The transmit power of each transmit modulator is required to (1) apply the lowest level of power for the purpose of reducing interference and allocating resources, and (2) compensating for transmit path attenuation and other path transfer characteristics. It can be controlled by a corresponding digital transmit power controller (not shown for brevity) that can apply the appropriate level of power when it is done.

The control processor 228 coupled to the digital receiver module 222, digital transmitter module 224, and baseband processor 226 includes, but is not limited to, signal processing, timing signal generation, power control, handoff control, diversity synthesis, and systems. It may provide commands and control signals to provide functionality such as an interface for.

The control processor 228 may also control pilot generation and power, synchronization, and coupling to the paging channel signal and its transmit power controller (not shown for brevity). The pilot channel is a signal that is not modulated by the data and may use a repetitive, unchanging pattern or a non-variable frame structure type (pattern) or tone type input. For example, the orthogonal functions used to form channels for pilot signals are generally well known, such as constant values such as all 1s or all 0s, or structured patterns with interspersed 1s and 0s. Has an iterative pattern.

The baseband processor 226 is well known in the art and is not described in detail herein. For example, the baseband processor 226 may include, but is not limited to, a coder, a data modem, and various known components such as digital data switching and storage components.

The PSTN interface 230 may provide communication signals to and receive communication signals from the external PSTN, either directly or through additional infrastructure 106, as shown in FIG. LAN interface 230 is well known in the art and is not described in detail herein. In other implementations, the PSTN interface 230 may be omitted or replaced by any other suitable interface that connects the GN200 to a terrestrial network (eg, the Internet).

The LAN interface 240 provides a communication signal to an external LAN and may receive the communication signal from the external LAN. For example, LAN interface 240 may be coupled to Internet 108 directly or through additional infrastructure 106, as shown in Figure 1. LAN interface 240 is well known in the art and is not described in detail herein.

The GN interface 245 is from / to (and / or to a GN associated with another satellite communication system not shown for brevity) to one or more other GNs associated with the satellite communication system 100 in FIG. (From /) can provide communication signals and receive communication signals. In some implementations, the GN interface 245 may communicate with other GNs via one or more dedicated communication lines or channels (not shown for brevity). In other implementations, the GN interface 245 may use other networks such as PSTN110 and / or Internet 108 (see also Figure 1) to communicate with other GNs. In at least one implementation, GN interface 245 may communicate with other GNs via infrastructure 106.

Overall GN control may be provided by the GN controller 250. The GN controller 250 can plan and control the utilization of satellite 300 resources by the GN200. For example, the GN controller 250 may analyze trends, generate traffic plans, allocate satellite resources, monitor (or track) satellite locations, and monitor the performance of the GN 200 and / or satellite 300. The GN controller 250 also maintains and monitors the orbit of the satellite 300, relays satellite usage information to the GN200, tracks the location of the satellite 300, and / or adjusts the settings of various channels of the satellite 300, on the ground. Can be coupled to a satellite controller (not shown for brevity).

In the exemplary implementation shown in FIG. 2, the GN controller 250 includes a local time, frequency, and location reference 251 which includes an RF subsystem 210, a digital subsystem 220, and / or an interface 230. 240, and 245 may be provided with local time or frequency information. Time or frequency information can be used to synchronize various components of the GN200 with each other and / or with the satellite 300. Local time, frequency, and location criteria 251 may also provide satellite 300 location information (eg, ephemeris data) to various components of the GN200. In addition, although illustrated in FIG. 2 as included in the GN controller 250, in other implementations the local time, frequency, and location reference 251 is in the GN controller 250 (and / or the digital subsystem 220). And can be a separate subsystem that is coupled (to one or more of the RF subsystems 210).

Although not shown in Figure 2 for brevity, the GN controller 250 can also be coupled to a network control center (NCC) and / or a satellite control center (SCC). For example, the GN controller 250 may allow the SCC to communicate directly with the satellite 300, eg, retrieve ephemeris data from the satellite 300. The GN Controller 250 is also well known for the GN Controller 250 to properly target the antenna 205 (eg, for the appropriate satellite 300), schedule beam transmissions, coordinate handoffs, and various other well-known. You may receive processed information (eg, from SCC and / or NCC) that allows you to perform the function.

The GN controller 250 is one of a processing circuit 232, a memory device 234, or an NCL controller 236 that performs NCL information related operations for the GN 200 independently or in concert as taught herein. Can include more than one. In one exemplary implementation, the processing circuit 232 is configured (eg, programmed) to perform some or all of these operations. In another exemplary implementation, processing circuit 232 (eg, in the form of a processor) executes code stored in memory device 234 to perform some or all of these operations. In another exemplary implementation, the NCL controller 236 is configured (eg, programmed) to perform some or all of these operations. Although illustrated in FIG. 2 as being included in the GN Controller 250, in other implementations, one or more of the processing circuit 232, the memory device 234, or the NCL Controller 236 may be included in the GN Controller 250 (and). / Or it can be a separate subsystem that is coupled (to one or more of the digital subsystem 220 and the RF subsystem 210).

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the satellite 300 for illustration purposes only. It will be appreciated that the specific satellite configuration can vary significantly and may or may not include onboard processing. In addition, although shown as a single satellite, two or more satellites using intersatellite communication may provide a functional connection between the GN200 and UT400. This disclosure is not limited to any particular satellite configuration, and any satellite or combination of satellites capable of providing a functional connection between the GN200 and UT400 may be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Will be understood. In one example, the satellite 300 is a forward transponder 310, a return transponder 320, an oscillator 330, a controller 340, forward link antennas 351 and 352 (1) to 352 (N), and return link antennas 362 and 361 (1) to 361. Shown as containing (N). The forward transponder 310, which can process communication signals within the corresponding channel or frequency band, is one of the first bandpass filters 311 (1) to 311 (N), respectively, and the first low noise amplifier (LNA) 312. One each of (1) to 312 (N), one each of frequency converters 313 (1) to 313 (N), one each of the second LNA 314 (1) to 314 (N), the second It may include one each of the bandpass filters 315 (1) to 315 (N) and one each of the power amplifiers (PA) 316 (1) to 316 (N). Each of PA316 (1) to 316 (N) is coupled to each one of antennas 352 (1) to 352 (N), as shown in FIG.

In each of the forward path FPs (1) to FP (N), the first bandpass filter 311 passes a signal component having a frequency within the channel or frequency band of each forward path FP. Filter the signal components having frequencies outside the channel or frequency band of each forward path FP. Therefore, the passband of the first bandpass filter 311 corresponds to the width of the channel associated with each forward path FP. The first LNA312 amplifies the received communication signal to a level suitable for processing by the frequency converter 313. The frequency converter 313 converts the frequency of the communication signal in each forward path FP (for example, to a frequency suitable for transmission from the satellite 300 to the UT400). The second LNA 314 amplifies the frequency-converted communication signal, and the second bandpass filter 315 filters signal components having frequencies outside the associated channel width. The PA316 amplifies the filtered signal to a power level suitable for transmission to the UT400 via each antenna 352. The return transponder 320 including a certain number (N) of return paths RP (1) to RP (N) communicates a communication signal from the UT400 along the return service link 302R via antennas 361 (1) to 361 (N). Receives the signal and sends the communication signal to the GN200 via one or more of the antennas 362 along the return feeder link 301R. Each of the return paths RP (1) to RP (N) capable of processing communication signals within the corresponding channel or frequency band may be coupled to each one of antennas 361 (1) to 361 (N). , One each of the first bandpass filters 321 (1) to 321 (N), one each of the first LNA322 (1) to 322 (N), frequency converters 323 (1) to 323 (N) It may contain one each of the second LNA 324 (1) to 324 (N), and one each of the second bandpass filters 325 (1) to 325 (N).

In each of the return paths RP (1) to RP (N), the first bandpass filter 321 passes through the channel of each reverse path RP or the signal component having a frequency within the frequency band, respectively. Filters signal components with frequencies outside the channel or frequency band of the reverse path RP. Therefore, the passband of the first bandpass filter 321 may correspond to the width of the channel associated with each return path RP in some implementations. The first LNA322 amplifies all received communication signals to a level suitable for processing by the frequency converter 323. Frequency converter 323 converts the frequency of the communication signal in each return path RP (eg, to a frequency suitable for transmission from satellite 300 to GN200). The second LNA 324 amplifies the frequency-converted communication signal, and the second bandpass filter 325 filters signal components having frequencies outside the associated channel width. The signals from the return paths RP (1) to RP (N) are combined and provided to one or more antennas 362 via PA326. The PA326 amplifies the synthesized signal for transmission to the GN200.

The oscillator 330, which can be any suitable circuit or device that produces the oscillation signal, provides the forward local oscillator signal LO (F) to the frequency converters 313 (1)-313 (N) of the forward transponder 310. The return local oscillator signal LO (R) is provided to the frequency converters 323 (1) to 323 (N) of the return transponder 320. For example, the LO (F) signal is frequency-converted to convert the communication signal from the frequency band associated with the transmission of the signal from the GN200 to the satellite 300 to the frequency band associated with the transmission of the signal from the satellite 300 to the UT400. Can be used by vessels 313 (1)-313 (N). The LO (R) signal is a frequency converter 323 to convert the communication signal from the frequency band associated with the transmission of the signal from the UT400 to the satellite 300 to the frequency band associated with the transmission of the signal from the satellite 300 to the GN200. Can be used by (1)-323 (N).

A controller 340 coupled to a forward transponder 310, a return transponder 320, and an oscillator 330 can control various operations of the satellite 300, including, but not limited to, channel allocation. In one aspect, the controller 340 may include a processing circuit 364 (eg, a processor) coupled to a memory (eg, a memory device 366). The memory, when executed by the processing circuit 364, is a non-temporary computer-readable medium (eg, for example) that stores instructions that cause the satellite 300 to perform operations, including, but not limited to, the operations described herein. It may include one or more non-volatile memory elements such as EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, hard drive, etc.).

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of the UT400 or UT401 for illustration purposes only. It should be understood that the specific UT configuration can change significantly. Accordingly, this disclosure is not limited to any particular UT configuration, and any UT capable of providing a functional connection between satellite 300 and UE500 or 501 is considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Can be done.

UT can be used in various applications. In some scenarios, the UT may provide a cellular backhaul. In this case, the UT may have a relatively large antenna and / or multiple antennas (eg, to protect against interference). In some scenarios, the UT can be deployed in a corporate environment (for example, it can be placed on the roof of a building). In this case, the UT may have a relatively large antenna and / or multiple antennas (eg, to provide a relatively high backhaul bandwidth). In some scenarios, the UT can be deployed in a residential environment (eg, placed on the roof of a house). In this case, the UT has a smaller (and relatively cheaper) antenna and may provide fixed access to data services (eg, Internet access). In some scenarios, the UT can be deployed in a marine environment (eg, can be placed on a cruise ship, cargo ship, etc.). In this case, the UT may have a relatively large antenna and / or multiple antennas (eg, to prevent interference and provide relatively high bandwidth data services). In some scenarios, the UT can be deployed in a vehicle (eg, carried by a first responder, emergency personnel, etc.). In this case, the UT has a smaller antenna and can be used to provide temporary internet access to specific areas (eg, where cellular services are out of service). Other scenarios are possible.

The configuration of a particular UT may depend on the intended use of the UT. For example, the type of antenna, the shape of the antenna, the amount of antenna, the supported bandwidth, the supported transmit power, the sensitivity of the receiver, etc. may depend on the corresponding application. As an example, planar antennas (relatively unobtrusive) can be used in aircraft applications.

In the example of Figure 4, the UT is shown to include a transceiver, where at least one antenna 410 is provided to receive a forward link communication signal (eg, from satellite 300), and the forward link communication signal is It is transferred to the analog receiver 414, where it is down-converted, amplified and digitized. Duplexer element 412 is often used to allow the same antenna to provide both transmit and receive functions. Alternatively, the UT transceiver may utilize separate antennas for operation at different transmit and receive frequencies.

The digital communication signal output by the analog receiver 414 is transferred to at least one digital data receiver 416A and at least one searcher receiver 418. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the art, additional digital data receivers (eg, as represented by the digital data receiver 416N) are desired, depending on the acceptable level of transceiver complexity. Can be used to obtain level signal diversity.

At least one user terminal control processor 420 is coupled to the digital data receivers 416A-416N and the searcher receiver 418. The control processor 420 provides, among other things, basic signal processing, timing, power and handoff control or coordination, and frequency selection used for the signal carrier. Another basic control function that can be performed by the control processor 420 is the selection or operation of functions that should be used to process various signal waveforms. Signal processing by the control processor 420 may include determining relative signal strength and calculating various related signal parameters. Such calculations of signal parameters such as timing and frequency may include the use of additional or separate dedicated circuits to result in increased efficiency or speed in the measurement, or improved allocation of control processing resources.

The outputs of the digital data receivers 416A-416N are coupled to the digital baseband circuit 422 in the UT400. The digital baseband circuit 422 includes processing and presentation elements used to transfer information to and from the UE 500, for example, as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, when diversity signal processing is utilized, the digital baseband circuit 422 may include a diversity synthesizer and a decoder (not shown). Some of these elements may also operate under the control of the control processor 420 or in communication with the control processor 420.

When voice data or other data is prepared as an output message or communication signal starting with the UT400, the digital baseband circuit 422 receives, stores, processes, and otherwise prepares the desired data for transmission. Used for. The digital baseband circuit 422 provides this data to the transmit modulator 426 operating under the control of the control processor 420. The output of the transmit modulator 426 is transferred to a power controller 428, which provides output power control to the transmit power amplifier 430 for final transmission of the output signal from the antenna 410 to the satellite (eg, satellite 300).

In FIG. 4, the UT transceiver also includes a memory 432 associated with the control processor 420. The memory 432 may include instructions for execution by the control processor 420, as well as data for processing by the control processor 420. In the example shown in FIG. 4, memory 432 may include instructions to perform time or frequency adjustments to be applied to the RF signal to be transmitted by the UT400 over the return service link to satellite 300.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the UT400 also includes an optional local time, frequency, and / or location reference 434 (eg, GPS receiver), which is the local time, frequency, and / or. Location information can be provided to the control processor 420 for a variety of applications, including, for example, time or frequency synchronization for the UT400.

Digital data receivers 416A-416N and searcher receivers 418 are configured with signal correlation elements for demodulating and tracking specific signals. Searcher receivers 418 are used to search for pilot signals, or other strong signals with relatively unchanged patterns, while digital data receivers 416A-416N are other signals associated with the detected pilot signal. Used to demodulate. However, the digital data receiver 416 may be responsible for tracking the pilot signal after acquisition in order to adequately determine the ratio of signal chip energy to signal noise and to determine the pilot signal strength. Therefore, the output of these units can be monitored to determine the energy in the pilot signal or other signals, or their frequency. These receivers also utilize a frequency tracking element that can be monitored to provide current frequency and timing information to the control processor 420 for the signal being demodulated.

The control processor 420 can use such information to appropriately determine how much the received signal is offset from the frequency of the oscillator when scaled to the same frequency band. This and other information about frequency error and frequency shift may be stored in a storage element or memory element (eg, memory 432) as desired.

The control processor 420 may also be coupled to the UE interface circuit 450 to allow communication between the UT400 and one or more UEs. The UE interface circuit 450 can be configured as desired for communication with different UE configurations, so that it varies depending on the different communication techniques used to communicate with the different supported UEs. It may include transceivers and related components. For example, the UE interface circuit 450 has one or more antennas, a wide area network (WAN) transceiver, a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver, a local area network (LAN) interface, a public exchange telephone network (PSTN) interface, and / Or may include other known communication techniques configured to communicate with one or more UEs communicating with the UT400.

The control processor 420 is one of a processing circuit 442, a memory device 444, or an NCL controller 446 that performs NCL information related operations for the UT400 independently or in concert as taught herein. Can include multiple. In one exemplary implementation, the processing circuit 442 is configured (eg, programmed) to perform some or all of these operations. In another exemplary implementation, processing circuit 442 (eg, in the form of a processor) executes code stored in memory device 444 to perform some or all of these operations. In another exemplary implementation, the NCL controller 446 is configured (eg, programmed) to perform some or all of these operations. Although illustrated in FIG. 4 as being included in the control processor 420, in other embodiments, one or more of the processing circuit 442, the memory device 444, or the NCL controller 446 is coupled to the control processor 420. Can be a separate subsystem.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of UE500, which may also apply to UE501 in FIG. The UE 500, as shown in FIG. 5, can be, for example, a mobile device, a handheld computer, a tablet, a wearable device, a smartwatch, or any type of device capable of interacting with the user. In addition, the UE 500 can be a network-side device that provides connectivity to various end-user devices and / or various public or private networks. In the example shown in Figure 5, the UE500 has a LAN interface 502, one or more antennas 504, a wide area network (WAN) transceiver 506, a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver 508, and satellite positioning system (SPS) reception. May include machine 510. The SPS receiver 510 may be compatible with the Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and / or any other global or regional satellite-based positioning system. In one alternative embodiment, the UE 500 may include a WLAN transceiver 508, a WAN transceiver 506, and / or an SPS receiver 510, such as a Wi-Fi transceiver with or without a LAN interface 502, for example. In addition, the UE500 includes additional transceivers such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee® and other known technologies, WAN Transceiver 506, WLAN Transceiver 508, and / or SPS with or without LAN Interface 502. It may include a receiver 510. Therefore, the elements shown for the UE 500 are given merely as exemplary configurations and are not intended to limit the configurations of the UE in the various embodiments disclosed herein.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, processor 512 is connected to LAN interface 502, WAN transceiver 506, WLAN transceiver 508, and SPS receiver 510. Optionally, the motion sensor 514 and other sensors may also be coupled to the processor 512.

The memory 516 is connected to the processor 512. In one aspect, the memory 516 may include data 518 which may be transmitted to and / or received from the UT400, as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, the memory 516 may also include, for example, a stored instruction 520 that will be executed by the processor 512 to perform a processing step to communicate with the UT400. In addition, the UE 500 may also include a user interface 522, which is hardware and for transmitting the inputs or outputs of the processor 512 to the user, for example, through optical, audible, or tactile inputs or outputs. May include software. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the UE 500 includes a microphone / speaker 524, a keypad 526, and a display 528 connected to the user interface 522. Alternatively, the user's tactile input or output may be integrated with the display 528, for example by using a touch screen display. Again, the elements shown in FIG. 5 are not intended to limit the UE configuration disclosed herein, and the elements contained in the UE 500 are the final usage of the device and the design choices of the system engineer. It will be understood that it will change based on.

In addition, the UE 500 can be a user device, for example, a mobile device or an external network-side device that communicates with, but is separate from, the UT400, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the UE500 and UT400 can be an integral part of a single physical device.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the two UT400s and 401s may communicate bidirectionally with the satellite 300 via a return service link and a forward service link within beam coverage. A satellite can communicate with more than two UTs within beam coverage. Therefore, the return service link from UT400 and 401 to satellite 300 can be a majority-to-one channel. For example, some UTs can be mobile, while others can be fixed. In a satellite communication system such as the example shown in Figure 1, multiple UT400s and 401s in beam coverage are time-division-multiplexed (TDM'ed), frequency-division-multiplexed (FDM'ed), or both. May be.

At some point, the UT may need to be handed off to another satellite (not shown in Figure 1). Handoffs can be triggered by scheduled or unscheduled events.

Following are some examples of handoffs caused by scheduled events. Beam-to-beam and inter-satellite handoffs can be caused by satellite motion, UT motion, or the satellite beam being turned off (eg, due to geostationary satellite (GEO) constraints). The handoff can also be due to the satellite moving out of range of the GN while it is still in the line of sight of the UT.

Following are some examples of handoffs caused by unscheduled events. The handoff can be triggered by the satellite being blocked by an obstacle (eg, a tree). Handoffs can also be triggered by poor channel quality (eg, signal quality) due to rainfall attenuation or other atmospheric conditions.

In some implementations, at a particular point in time, a particular satellite may be controlled by a particular entity within the GN (eg, a network access controller, NAC). Therefore, the GN may have several NACs (eg, implemented by the GN controller 250 in Figure 2), each of which controls the corresponding one of the satellites controlled by the GN. In addition, a given satellite may support multiple beams. Therefore, over time, different types of handoffs may occur.

In a beam-to-beam handoff, the UT is handed off from one beam of satellite to another of the satellite. For example, a particular beam servicing a stationary UT can change over time as the serving satellite moves.

In a satellite-to-satellite handoff, the UT is handed off from the current serving satellite (called the source satellite) to another satellite (called the target satellite). For example, the UT can be handed off to the target satellite as the source satellite moves away from the UT and as the target satellite moves towards the UT.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides information about one or more satellites by a satellite network to allow a wireless communication node to identify beam candidates for subsequent communication. For example, regarding providing to UT). For example, the UT can use this information to identify all cells in the vicinity of the UT that are candidates for the UT's next cell reselection operation. Therefore, the UT can obtain this information efficiently (for example, distributed data such that each device in the network must obtain information from nearby devices separately, one device at a time. In contrast to the acquisition technique). In some embodiments, this information may include beam indication information, beam start angle, beam span, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the network may transmit this information via a neighboring cell list.

Neighboring Cell List The present disclosure relates to managing and communicating neighboring cell list information in some embodiments. FIG. 6 shows a communication system 600 including a first device 602 and a second device 604. The first device 602 includes a transmitter 608 capable of maintaining (eg, generating) the neighbor cell list 606 and transmitting the neighbor cell list information 610 to the second device 604. The second device 604 includes a receiver 612 for receiving neighbor cell list information 610 so that the second device 604 can maintain the local neighbor cell list 614.

In some implementations, the communication system 600 is a satellite communication system. FIG. 7 shows a UT702 communicating with a GN704 via satellite 706 in a non-geostationary satellite communication system 700, such as a LEO satellite communication system for data communication, voice communication, video communication, or other communication. .. The UT702, GN704, and satellite 706 may correspond, for example, the UT400, GN200, and satellite 300 of FIG. 1, respectively. The UT702 and GN704 may correspond, for example, to the second device 604 and the first device 602 of FIG. 6, respectively.

The GN704 includes a Network Access Controller (NAC) 712, for each of the NAC712s to communicate with the UT702 and other UTs (not shown) via the satellite 706 (or any other satellite not shown). Interfaces one or more radio frequency (RF) subsystems 714. The GN704 also includes a core network control plane (CNCP) 716 and a core network user plane (CNUP) 718, or other similar functions for communicating with another network 720. Network 720 may represent, for example, one or more of a core network (eg, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), an intranet, or the Internet.

The GN704 may determine (eg, receive or generate) Neighbor Cell List (NCL) information 722. The GN may then broadcast or unicast the neighbor cell list information 722 to the UT702 via messages 724 and 726 relayed by satellite 706. The UT702 thus maintains its neighbor cell list information 728.

In an exemplary non-geostationary satellite communication system implementation, the satellite travels over the Earth in an upward or downward path (eg, generally north-south or south-north). The rotation of the earth causes an apparent movement from east to west. Each UT acquires the expected path (satellite information) of the satellite that the UT will see in a given period in the future so that the UT can establish a wireless connection to the satellite. In some embodiments, the UT may receive this satellite information via broadcast and / or unicast messages from the network (eg, from the GN). In some embodiments, the UT may request this satellite information if it is not available and has not been provided to the UT by the network in a reasonable amount of time. The disclosed implementations can work at all longitude and latitude values, including satellite constellation designs in which satellites in adjacent orbital planes are moving in opposite directions. The disclosed implementations may also allow a clear memory of satellite ephemeris information and disposal of this information if it becomes obsolete.

According to the teachings herein, the UT can determine which neighboring beams / cells the UT can reselect when the current beam / cell becomes weak. For this purpose, the UE may determine the satellite attitude (pitch, roll, yaw) profiles of nearby satellites, the pointing angles of those satellites'beams, and the on-off schedule of those satellites' beams. During the satellite's power saving mode (for example, when only a limited set of resources are available and a large broadcast information block (BIB) may have to be partitioned), the solution is to broadcast the entire system information. The law can be used. The disclosed technique may also allow a larger broadcast information (BI) window for a larger BIB and may specify rules for reorganizing BIB segments that span multiple BI windows.

According to the teachings herein, the UT's cell selection algorithm may prepare a list of closest satellites based on UT's position, current time, and ephemeris information. The UT then provides information about the satellite's attitude profile (pitch, roll, and yaw), as well as one or more of the indicated angles, frequencies, cell identification information, and beam on-off schedule. Beam candidates can be discovered by using the list information.

Neighbor cell list information may be carried in a broadcast information block type 4 message (referred to herein as BIB4). BIB4 includes all neighboring cells that are candidates for the next cell reselection for all UTs under the beam / cell footprint being broadcast. The UT can read BIB4 in both idle and connected modes. Ephemeris information can be received from the network in broadcast information block E-messages (BIBe) and radio ephemeris information response messages.

Illustrative BIB Structures Figure 8 shows examples of BIB4 structures 800A and 800B for different sized beamlists. As shown, BIB4 may follow a broadcast information block type 1 message (referred to herein as BIB1). The value tags contained in BIB1 (eg, value tag 802) can change with any update to BIB4. The UT may read BIB4 when the BIB1 value tag changes, or at some other time, during cell reselection. The proposed period for BIB4 is 2.56 seconds in an exemplary implementation. The drawings given here are for illustration purposes only. In different implementations, the information and parameter values can be different.

Illustrative message structure
The BIB4 message structure may support the partitioning of neighboring cell list information into multiple self-decryptable BIB4 segments. The complete neighbor cell list information for the list of satellites can be marked with a sequence number (eg, sequence number 804). The sequence number can be incremented as the contents of the BIB4 neighbor cell list change.

This list can be divided into several segments depending on the available radio resources. The total number of segments (eg, segment count 806), along with some of the neighboring cell list information (eg, NCL with beam and attitude profile information 810), is in the first segment of BIB4 (eg, first segment 808). Can be provided. All subsequent segments (eg, subsequent segment 812) may carry the corresponding segment number (eg, segment number 814) and other parts of the neighboring cell list information (eg, NCL816). Each segment of BIB4 may contain a sequence number (eg, sequence number 818) associated with neighboring cell list information.

The UT can reassemble BIB4 across multiple BI windows using the sequence numbers in the BIB4 segment. The BIB4 segments used to reassemble BIB4 messages can have the same sequence number across all those BIB4 segments.

If the UT receives a BIBe segment with a different sequence number than that contained in the BIB4 segment previously received and stored by the UT for reassembly, the UE will receive all previously received BIB4 segments (ie). Those with different sequence numbers than those received in the latest BIB4 segment) can be discarded.

The BIB4 segment may contain a list of beams / cells belonging to the satellite. The BIB4 segment may contain information for some or all of the satellite's beams. If there are multiple beams per satellite, the beam information can be transmitted separately across multiple BIB4 segments. In some cases, a segment contains information for an integer number of beams. Satellite identification information can be used as the key to synthesizing partial information from such segments to create complete information for the satellite.

The UT may decode and use the information contained in individual BIB4 segments even before all BIB4 segments have been received and the complete BIB4 has been reassembled. However, when the UT receives all segments of BIB4, the read of BIB4 can be considered complete.

Illustrative NCL element
The Neighbor Cell List (NCL) information in BIB4 may include beam / cell information for all Neighbor Beams that are promising candidates for cell reselection. The NCL can be constructed as a list of information blocks per satellite. Each information block may contain a list of beams / cells belonging to the satellite. There can be several top-level BIB4 information elements (IEs) as well as per-satellite and per-beam IEs that describe the neighborhood. The beam can optionally be shown to be on for a given period of time (eg, start time and time length), implicitly indicating that the beam is off at other times.

Beam / cell information per satellite may include, for example, a satellite identifier number, satellite reference time, attitude profile, and beam list.

The satellite identifier number (Id) can uniquely identify a satellite in the system. In some implementations, the length of this field can be 16 bits. In some cases, this field may be overprepared to tolerate any unexpected increase in the number of satellites.

The satellite reference time (Rt) can indicate the referenced Global Positioning System (GPS) time in seconds. In some implementations, the length of this field can be 32 bits. In some cases, this field can be used as a reference time in BIB4 to define a beam-on schedule. This field can also be used as a reference time for other BIB4 IEs dealing with time (eg IE for satellite attitude profiles).

The attitude profile (Ap) can indicate the attitude of the satellite beam at different latitudes, at different time instances, or for different time periods (eg, at least one of satellite pitch, roll, or yaw). Posture profiles can be defined by equations (which can be cosine, quadratic, etc.). As an example, the satellite pitch profile (Pp) can be calculated using, for example, the parameters Pitch Magnitude, Start Pitch, End Pitch, and Flip Pitch. .. As another example, the satellite roll profile (Rp) can be calculated using the corresponding role parameters (eg, specific latitude, specific time instance, specific time period, or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, the posture information can be a function of time (eg, a particular posture value is valid for a particular time period). In some embodiments, the attitude information can be defined according to a linear approximation (eg, a function) or some other function.

In some cases, this field may be defined as an octet string to contain the values of the parameters mentioned above and any additional parameters needed to improve accuracy. In one exemplary implementation, the field length can be 100 bits.

A beam list (Bl) can show beam information for all beams in a satellite. This list may contain information about the upper limit of the beam (eg, 64 beams in one exemplary implementation). Beam information includes, for example, Beam Pointing Angle, Beam Frequency Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), Beam Physical Cell Id, and Beam On Schedule. Can include (Beam On Schedule).

The beam pointing angle may include, for example, elevation and azimuth. The elevation angle may indicate the pointing angle of the beam relative to the satellite's airframe and / or satellite movement. The azimuth may indicate the movement of the satellite and / or the pointing angle of the beam relative to the direction perpendicular to the satellite's airframe. In some embodiments, the beam pointing angle can be relative to the body of the satellite.

Beam frequency ARFCN is a frequency number. In one exemplary implementation, the beam frequency may have a maximum value defined to be 65535.

The beam physical cell Id is cell identification information. In one exemplary implementation, this can have a range of 0 ... 255.

The beam-on-schedule can define a beam-on-off pattern by signaling the number of on-time lengths. In the polar and equatorial regions, this parameter can capture the true on / off duration of the beam. In the seam region, this parameter can also capture the period during which the neighboring beam is visible with respect to the beam being broadcast. The beam-on-schedule can be signaled using, for example, the On Start Time and On Duration parameters. The on start time can indicate the time it takes for the beam to switch on from there. The corresponding IE value signaled may indicate the number of seconds elapsed from the signaled satellite reference time in the same occurrence of BIB4. The on-time length may indicate in seconds the length of time the beam remains on, from the on-start time signaled in the same schedule entry.

Table 1 gives an example overview of the above neighbor cell elements.

Illustrative Beam List A BIB4 for a particular beam may contain information about all the beams that any UT under the footprint of a particular beam could have as the next reselection target. Therefore, the number of beams contained in BIB4 can be a function of the local latitude as well as whether the beam being broadcast is located at the seam.

Normal operation (for 3 + 1 + 3 neighbor beams). The central column 902 shows the beam from a particular satellite (for example, at a particular moment). Simplified exemplary beam patterns 904 and 906 for different beams are shown by rectangles. In this example, beam pattern 906 broadcasts NCL. Columns 908 and 910 show beams from satellites in the vicinity of that particular satellite (designated as neighboring satellites # 1, # 2, # 3, and # 4). In this example, these beams may have a direction of motion of 912 (eg, south to north).

Illustrative behavior near a seam A seam is at a position where the movements of satellites in two adjacent orbital planes are in opposite directions (for example, where the satellites heading north and the satellites heading south are next to each other). be. In some cases, there may be two seams in the system.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the beam pattern 1000 in the vicinity of the seam 1002. The central column 1004 is the beam from a particular satellite (for example, at a particular moment) and the satellites immediately next to that particular satellite that follow the same path (designated as neighboring satellites # 5 and # 6). The beam from and is shown. Columns 1006 and 1008 show parts of the beam from other neighboring satellites of that particular satellite (designated as neighboring satellites # 1, # 2, # 3, and # 4). The beams in rows 1004 and 1006 have one direction of movement 1010 (eg, south to north), while the beams in row 1008 opposite the seam 1002 have directions of opposite movement 1012 (eg, north to south).

As shown in FIG. 10, the beam that will be contained near the seam can be a mirror image of what would have been contained if the movements of the different orbital planes were in the same direction. This also means that the beam being broadcast may have different neighboring beams belonging to orbital planes moving in opposite directions at different times. Therefore, the NCL may include several beams, with the length of time they will be in the vicinity of the beam being broadcast in the meantime. This allows the contents of the NCL to be pre-computed and left unchanged for long periods of time.

Illustrative NCL Parameters In one exemplary implementation, the elements of an NCL may include the number of satellites, the number of beams, the segment count, the sequence number, and the on-schedule entry. The number of satellites in the neighboring cell list can be 1 ... 32 in one exemplary implementation. The number of beams per satellite in the neighboring cell list can be 1 ... 64 in one exemplary implementation.

The total number of beams in the neighboring cell list (over all satellites) can be a function of latitude and whether the beams belong to the orbital plane of the seam. In one exemplary implementation, the suggested value for the total number of beams to be included for a typical latitude is 6-8 beams. At the equator and poles, in one exemplary implementation, the total number of beams can be increased to 10-12 beams. In operation near the seam, the additional 16 beams of one satellite can provide about 1.5 minutes of time (in a constellation of 648 satellites) where the contents of BIB4 can remain constant. ..

The segment count is a function of the number of satellites and beams in the list and the radio resources available for BIB4 transmission. The range of the segment count can be 1 ... 32 in one exemplary implementation.

In one exemplary implementation, an initial setup of 5-6 satellites and 7-8 beams could use about 100 resource blocks (RBs). At polar latitudes and equator, in one exemplary implementation, about 200 RBs can be used. At the seams, in one exemplary implementation, an additional 100 RBs per satellite may be used.

In normal mode of operation, in one exemplary implementation, the maximum BIB size can be 8760 bits (eg, about 650 resource blocks). Therefore, if there are less than 650 RBs available, in one exemplary implementation, BIB4 uses one segment.

In power saving mode, in one exemplary implementation, the maximum available resource block can be about 54. Therefore, BIB4 usually has up to 4 segments at all non-seam locations, and at seams it is variable depending on the time length targeted so that the contents of BIB4 remain unchanged during that time. A number of segments can be used.

The sequence number can change whenever the SAN modifies the neighboring cell list information. In one exemplary implementation, the worst case BIB4 content can change up to once within 10 seconds. The range of sequence numbers can be 0 ... 3 in some exemplary implementations. This number can be over-prepared to tolerate any unexpected scenario.

The range of on-schedule entries can be 1 ... 4 in one exemplary implementation. The beam should not be turned on and off many times in a short period of time (eg, within 15-20 minutes, where the contents of BIB4 can be targeted to remain unchanged during that time). In one exemplary implementation, the number of entries can be limited to four. The four on periods also indicate that there are three intervening off periods.

All the above parameters can be a function of available radio resources, number of satellites, cells, beams, and period of BIB4. These parameters can be adjusted to minimize BIB read delays and provide maximum coverage.

Illustrative reception behavior
BIB4 may be received by the UT in idle mode to allow the UT to make measurements against beam / cell candidates for cell reselection. BIB4 can also be received by the UT in connected mode to allow a quick transition to idle mode when needed. BIB4 can be read when the UT camps on a new cell. In one exemplary implementation, the BIB can be broadcast with a period of 2.56 seconds.

Changes in BIB content can be handled under the control of BIB1 value tags. Therefore, the UT may not be required to read the contents of the BIB again on the same cell unless the value tag changes. The UT can stay in the cell for about 10 seconds (eg, with a dwell time of 7-8 seconds). Therefore, at a minimum, in this example, the UT has two opportunities to read BIB4 (up to four opportunities).

Illustrative memory behavior
The contents of BIB4 can be valid only within the cell. As a result, each time the UT reselects or selects a cell (eg, transition from connected mode to idle mode, or a radio link failure), the UT can read BIB4.

Scheduling Changes In one exemplary implementation, the following scheduling changes may be used.

For version control, BIB4 can be handled by the version control mechanism of the BIB1 value tag. If UT reads BIB4 in a cell, UT may skip reading BIB4 in the same cell again if the BIB1 value tag does not change.

With respect to range, BIB4 can be valid in range of cells. Previously read BIB4 is invalidated when the cell is reselected. Therefore, UT reads BIB4 again in the new cell.

For periodicity and iteration, in one exemplary implementation, BIB4 (Neighborhood Cell Information List) may be sent every 2.56 seconds to ensure that the UT can attempt a few reads. This can correspond to a stay time of 7-8 seconds. Therefore, in this example, the UT has a minimum of two read opportunities and a maximum of four read opportunities. Neighbor cell information can be transmitted in 32 segments of BIB4. In power saving mode, more segments may be used. In power saving mode, BIB4 may use a larger BI window. A new BIB-specific BIB window is defined in BIB1 (for example, it can be 5/10/15/20/40 milliseconds (ms) in size to accommodate a given maximum number of BIB4 segments). obtain.

BIB4 can be sent in separate BI messages. BIB4 may be transmitted in the penultimate BI window.

When getting a BI message, the UE can perform two actions:

The first action involves deciding to start a BI window for the BI message involved. This operation involves three steps.

The first step of the first operation consists of a scheduling information list in broadcast information block type 1 for all BI messages except the last (ie, the one that carries the broadcast information block type E). Accompanied by determining the number n that corresponds to the order of entries in the list of BI messages. In addition, this step involves determining the integer value x = (n-1) * w, where w is the BI window length.

The second step of the first operation is for the last BI message (ie, the one that carries the broadcast information block type E) of the BI message composed of the scheduling information list in the broadcast information block type 1. Accompanied by determining the number n that corresponds to the order of entries in the list. In addition, this step involves determining the integer value x = (n-2) * w + w-BIB4, where w is the BI window length and w-BIB4 is the BIB4 broadcast information window length.

In the third step of the first operation, the BI window starts in subframe #a, where a = x mod 10 in the radio frame where SFN mod T = FLOOR (x / 10), where T is. The BI cycle of the relevant BI message. The network may configure a 1 millisecond (ms) BI window if all BIs are scheduled before subframe # 5 in a radio frame with SFN mod 2 = 0.

The second behavior is to receive information (eg DL-SCH) using the subscriber identifier (eg BI-RNTI) from the start of the BI window and the absolute time given by the BI window length. It involves continuing until the end of the BI window with the length, or until the BI message is received, except for subframe # 5 in the radio frame where SFN mod 2 = 0.

Figure 11 is an exemplary BIB schedule 1100 with BIB4 window 1102 and BIBe window 1104 (eg, default BI window size = 5ms). In one exemplary implementation, BIB2 (eg, BIB2 window 1106) has a period of 160 ms and BIB3 (eg, BIB3 window 1108) has a period of 80 ms. In one exemplary implementation, the BIB4 BI window has a size = 10ms. In one exemplary implementation, the BIB4 period is 2560ms. In one exemplary implementation, the BI window of BIBe has a size = 20ms. In one exemplary implementation, the BIBe period is 5120 ms.

The first exemplary acquisition process Figure 12 shows an example of an idle mode acquisition process 1200 that can be performed by a UT or some other suitable device. The process uses the input parameters obtained from the NCL information (for example, received from the GN).

In this example, the inputs include satellite identification information, satellite reference time, satellite pitch profile, and beam list information. Beam list information includes beam indication angles (eg, elevation and azimuth), beam frequency ARFCN, beam physical cell ID, beam on schedule (eg, on-period start time and on-period length), and beam selection thresholds.

Process 1200 involves the following operations: At block 1202, the device prepares a list of satellites in the UT's field of view (FOV). At block 1204, the device sorts satellites by the closest distance from the UT. At block 1206, the device stably sorts the satellites by distance from the satellite's orbital plane. At block 1208, the device prepares unit vectors for all beams. At block 1210, the device finds the projection of the UT onto the satellite's orbital plane and the unit vector from the satellite to the projection of the UT onto the satellite's orbital plane. At block 1212, the device calculates the dot product of the UT's projection vector with respect to the nearest orbital plane and all beam vectors. At block 1214, the device determines if the dot product> threshold. If so, at block 1216, the device selects the beam with the highest dot product for the closest orbital plane. If the dot product ≤ threshold in block 1214, then in block 1218 the appliance calculates the dot product of the UT's projection vector and all beam vectors for the second closest orbital plane. At block 1220, the device determines if the dot product> threshold. If so, at block 1222, the device selects the beam with the highest dot product for the second closest orbital plane. If the dot product ≤ threshold in block 1220, then in block 1216 the device selects the beam with the highest dot product for the closest orbital plane. The sorting method described is one possible implementation. Other sorting methods may be applied.

Here, the UT has information for camping on the beam (eg, frequency and cell identification information). For example, this information may be provided via NCL.

FIG. 13 shows exemplary geometry 1300 for satellites 1302 and UT1304 for process 1200. Specifically, FIG. 13 shows the projection 1306 of the UT on the orbital plane of the satellite, the direction 1308 of the projection of the UT on the orbital plane of the satellite, and the direction 1310 of the nadir.

The second exemplary acquisition process Figure 14 shows another example of the idle mode acquisition process 1400 that can be performed by the UT or some other suitable device. In this example, the NCL is calculated by GN based on the inputs sent from process 1200 and from GN to UT, instead of the large number of inputs described in process 1200. including. Therefore, in this example, less information may be sent over-the-air (for example, this saves network resources) and simpler calculations may be performed by the UT (for example). , This saves UT resources). In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

In this example, the inputs to process 1400 are Satellite Identity, Entry Validity (as a function of time or satellite trajectory), and Delta Pitch Angle (start angle and span). , Delta Roll Angle (start angle and span), and yaw angle (for example, to support the yaw state footprint profile), where the start angle is the pitch of the satellite, the satellite with respect to the equatorial line. Position and beam on / off function. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured by pitch or roll.

Process 1400 involves the following operations: At block 1402, the appliance prepares a list of satellites in the UT's FOV. At block 1404, the device sorts satellites by the closest distance from the UT. At block 1406, the device stably sorts the satellites by distance from the satellite's orbital plane. At block 1408, the device selects a satellite from the sorted list. At block 1410, the device calculates the delta elevation (Δel) angle and / or the delta azimuth (Δaz) angle between the direction of the nadir of the satellite and the direction from the satellite to the UT. At block 1412, the device determines if the Δel and / or Δaz angles are within the range defined in the neighborhood list. If there is, at block 1414, the device selects a satellite. If not, at block 1416, the device selects the next satellite in the list and determines if the current entry is the last entry in the list. If the current entry is the last entry in the list, the operation flow returns to block 1408. If the current entry is not the last entry in the list, the appliance declares outage at block 1418. The sorting method described is one possible implementation. Other sorting methods may be applied.

Here, the UT may determine the information for camping on the beam (eg, frequency and cell identification information). For example, the UT may perform frequency and cell searches to find the best beam before camping on the satellite.

Satellite Attitude Figure 15 shows an example of the attitude of the satellite 1500. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows examples of satellite 1500 pitch 1502, yaw 1504, and roll 1506. An object that moves freely in three directions, such as a satellite, can change its posture with respect to three orthogonal axes centered on a specific point (for example, the center of gravity of the object). A stance is formed, for example, by a particular coordinate system (eg, a vector in the direction of movement of an object, a celestial vector from the center of the object to the center of the earth, and a velocity vector of the object and a celestial vector of the object. Refers to the orientation of an object with respect to a coordinate system (defined by three vectors consisting of a third vector perpendicular to the plane). These three axes are sometimes referred to as the roll axis, yaw axis, and pitch axis, where the roll axis is the velocity vector, the yaw axis is the top axis, and the pitch axis is by the roll axis and yaw axis. An axis perpendicular to the plane formed.

The first exemplary device Figure 16 shows a block diagram of an exemplary hardware implementation of device 1600 configured to communicate according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. For example, device 1600 may be embodied or implemented within a GN or any other type of device that supports satellite communications. In various implementations, the device 1600 may be embodied or mounted within any other electronic device having a gateway, ground station, vehicle component, or circuit.

The apparatus 1600 includes a communication interface 1602 (eg, at least one transceiver), a storage medium 1604, a user interface 1606, a memory device (eg, a memory circuit) 1608, and a processing circuit 1610 (eg, at least one processor). In various implementations, the user interface 1606 is one of a keypad, display, speaker, microphone, touch screen display, or some other circuit for receiving input from or sending output to the user. Or it may include more than one.

These components may be coupled to each other and / or telecommunications with each other via a signaling bus or other suitable component, commonly represented by connecting lines in FIG. The signaling bus may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application of the processing circuit 1610 and the overall design constraints. The signaling bus combines various circuits such that each of the communication interface 1602, storage medium 1604, user interface 1606, and memory device 1608 is coupled to and / or telecommunications with the processing circuit 1610. connect. Signaling buses can also connect various other circuits (not shown) such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art. Therefore, no further explanation is given.

Communication interface 1602 provides a means for communicating with other devices through a transmission medium. In some implementations, the communication interface 1602 includes circuits and / or programming adapted to facilitate bidirectional communication of information to one or more communication devices in the network. In some implementations, the communication interface 1602 is adapted to facilitate wireless communication of device 1600. In these implementations, the communication interface 1602 may be coupled to one or more antennas 1612 as shown in FIG. 16 for wireless communication within a wireless communication system. Communication interface 1602 may be configured with one or more stand-alone receivers and / or transmitters, as well as one or more transceivers. In the example shown, the communication interface 1602 includes a transmitter 1614 and a receiver 1616. Communication interface 1602 serves as an example of means for receiving and / or transmitting.

Memory device 1608 may represent one or more memory devices. As shown, memory device 1608 may maintain NCL information 1618 along with other information used by device 1600. In some embodiments, the memory device 1608 and the storage medium 1604 are implemented as common memory components. Memory device 1608 can also be used to store data manipulated by processing circuit 1610, or some other component of device 1600.

The storage medium 1604 is one or more computer-readable, machine-readable, and storage for programming such as processor executable code or instructions (eg, software, firmware), electronic data, databases, or other digital information. / Or can represent a processor-readable device. The storage medium 1604 can also be used to store the data manipulated by the processing circuit 1610 when performing programming. Storage media 1604 is accessed by general purpose or dedicated processors, including portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, accommodating, or transporting programming. It can be any available medium that can be used.

As an example, but not limited to, the storage medium 1604 may be a magnetic storage device (eg, hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip), optical disk (eg, compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD)), smart card, flash memory. Devices (eg, cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers , Removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. The storage medium 1604 can be embodied in a manufactured product (eg, a computer program product). As an example, a computer program product may include a computer readable medium in a packaging material. In view of the above, in some embodiments, the storage medium 1604 can be a non-temporary (eg, tangible) storage medium.

The storage medium 1604 may be coupled to the processing circuit 1610 so that the processing circuit 1610 can read information from the storage medium 1604 and write information to the storage medium 1604. That is, the storage medium 1604 is an example in which at least one storage medium is integrated with the processing circuit 1610 and / or an example in which at least one storage medium is separated from the processing circuit 1610 (for example, an example existing in the apparatus 1600). The storage medium 1604 may be coupled to the processing circuit 1610 so that it is at least accessible by the processing circuit 1610, including examples that are external to the device 1600, distributed across multiple entities, and so on.

The programming stored by the storage medium 1604, when performed by the processing circuit 1610, causes the processing circuit 1610 to perform one or more of the various functions and / or processing operations described herein. .. For example, the storage medium 1604 is configured to coordinate its operation in one or more hardware blocks of the processing circuit 1610 and to utilize the communication interface 1602 for wireless communication utilizing their respective communication protocols. It can also include actions. In some embodiments, the storage medium 1604 may include a computer-readable medium for storing computer executable code, including code for performing the functions described herein.

The processing circuit 1610 is generally adapted for processing including execution of such programming stored in storage medium 1604. As used herein, the term "code" or "programming" is referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Instructions, instruction sets, data, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, programming, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, whether called by , Execution file, execution thread, procedure, function, etc. should be broadly interpreted.

The processing circuit 1610 is configured to acquire, process, and / or transmit data, control access and storage of data, issue commands, and control desired operation. The processing circuit 1610 may include circuits configured to implement the desired programming provided by the appropriate medium in at least one example. For example, the processing circuit 1610 may be implemented as one or more processors, one or more controllers, and / or other structures configured to perform executable programming. Examples of processing circuits 1610 are general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic components, individual gate or transistor logic, individual hardware. It may include wear components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general purpose processor may include a microprocessor as well as any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processing circuit 1610 is also a computer such as a combination of DSP and microprocessor, several microprocessors, one or more microprocessors that work with the DSP core, ASICs and microprocessors, or any other number of different configurations. It can be implemented as a combination of wing components. These examples of processing circuit 1610 are for illustration purposes only, and other suitable configurations within the scope of the present disclosure are also contemplated.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the processing circuit 1610 is any of the features, processes, functions, operations, and / or routines for any or all of the devices described herein. Or it can be adapted to do everything. For example, the processing circuit 1610 may be configured to perform any of the steps, functions, and / or processes described with respect to FIGS. 1-15 and 17-19. As used herein, the term "fitted" with respect to the processing circuit 1610 means that the processing circuit 1610 performs a particular process, function, operation, and / or routine according to the various characteristics described herein. Can refer to one or more of being configured to be, being used as such, being implemented as such, and / or being programmed as such.

The processing circuit 1610 is an application-specific integrated circuit (eg, a structure for that purpose) that serves as a means (eg, a structure) for performing any one of the operations described with respect to FIGS. 1-15 and 17-19. It can be a special processor, such as an ASIC). The processing circuit 1610 serves as an example of means for transmitting and / or receiving. In some implementations, the processing circuit 1610 may provide and / or incorporate at least some of the functionality described above for the functionality of the GN controller 250 in FIG.

According to at least one example of apparatus 1600, the processing circuit 1610 is one or more of a circuit / module 1620 for determination, a circuit / module 1622 for transmission, or a circuit / module 1624 for calculation. May include. In various implementations, the circuit / module 1620 for determination, the circuit / module 1622 for transmission, or the circuit / module 1624 for calculation are described above for the functionality of the GN controller 250 in Figure 2. Can provide and / or incorporate at least some of the features provided.

As mentioned above, when the programming stored by the storage medium 1604 is performed by the processing circuit 1610, the processing circuit 1610 is one of the various functions and / or processing operations described herein. Or run more than one. For example, programming may cause the processing circuit 1610 to perform various functions, steps, and / or processes described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-15 and 17-19 in various implementations. can. As shown in FIG. 16, storage medium 1604 may include one or more of code 1630 for determination, code 1632 for transmission, or code 1634 for calculation. In various implementations, the code 1630 for determination, the code 1632 for transmission, or the code 1634 for calculation is the circuit / module 1620 for determination, the circuit / module 1622 for transmission, or the calculation. Circuit / module for 1624 may be performed or used otherwise to provide the functionality described herein.

The circuit / module 1620 for determination determines, for example, a circuit and / or programming (eg, stored in storage medium 1604) adapted to perform some functions relating to determining a neighboring cell list. Code for 1630) may be included. In some embodiments, the circuit / module 1620 for determination (eg, means for determination) may correspond to, for example, a processing circuit.

First, the circuit / module 1620 for making a decision may obtain the information that the decision should be based on. For example, the circuit / module 1620 for determination (eg, from the communication interface 1602, memory device 1608, or any other component of device 1600) as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 8-15. Information can be obtained. The circuit / module 1620 for making a decision may then make a decision based on the information obtained. For example, the circuit / module 1620 for determination may generate a neighboring cell list containing the information in Table 1. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include beam instruction information for at least one satellite. The circuit / module 1620 for determination may then output the resulting list of neighboring cells (eg, to circuit / module 1622 for transmission, memory device 1608, or some other component).

Circuits / modules for transmission 1622 are stored, for example, in circuits and / or programming (eg, storage media 1604) adapted to perform some functions relating to sending (eg, sending) information. May include code 1632) for sending. In some embodiments, the circuit / module 1622 for transmission obtains information (eg, from memory device 1608, or some other component of device 1600) and processes the information (eg, for transmission). The information may be sent to another component (eg, transmitter 1614, communication interface 1602, or some other component) that encodes the information into another device. In some scenarios (for example, if the circuit / module 1622 for transmission includes a transmitter), the circuit / module 1622 for transmission may be any other type suitable for radio frequency signaling or applicable communication media. Sends information directly to another device (for example, the final destination) via signaling in.

Circuits / modules 1622 for transmission (eg, means for transmission) can take various forms. In some embodiments, the circuit / module 1622 for transmission may be, for example, an interface (eg, a bus interface, a transmit / receive interface, or some other type of signal interface), a communication device, a transceiver, a transmitter, or a book. It may correspond to some other similar component as discussed herein. In some implementations, the communication interface 1602 includes a circuit / module 1622 for transmission and / or a code 1632 for transmission. In some implementations, the circuit / module 1622 for transmission and / or the code 1632 for transmission are configured to control the communication interface 1602 (eg, a transceiver or transmitter) to transmit information. Ru.

The circuit / module 1624 for calculation is, for example, a circuit and / or programming adapted to perform some functions related to calculating a value (eg, stored on storage medium 1604, for calculation). Code 1634) may be included. In some embodiments, the circuit / module 1624 for calculation (eg, means for calculation) may correspond to, for example, a processing circuit.

First, the circuit / module 1624 for the calculation can get the information that the calculation should be based on. For example, the circuit / module 1624 for calculation (eg, from the communication interface 1602, memory device 1608, or any other component of device 1600) as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 8-15. Information can be obtained. The circuit / module 1624 for calculation may then perform the calculation based on the acquired information. For example, a circuit / module 1624 for calculation may determine a starting angle based on at least one of satellite pitch, satellite position, or satellite beam on and / or off time. As another example, the circuit / module 1624 for calculation may determine the span based on satellite beam on and / or off time. The circuit / module 1624 for calculation may then output the calculated result (eg, to circuit / module 1622 for transmission, memory device 1608, or some other component).

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate an example of providing a neighboring cell list for a device, the neighboring cell list containing beam information for at least one satellite. FIG. 17 illustrates an example in which the beam information includes beam instruction information. FIG. 18 illustrates an example where the beam information includes the start time and span. FIG. 19 illustrates a more detailed example. In other implementations, other types of beam information may be used. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

The first exemplary process FIG. 17 shows a process 1700 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Process 1700 may be performed within a processing circuit (eg, processing circuit 1610 in FIG. 16) that may be located in the GN or some other suitable device. In some implementations, process 1700 may be run by GN for at least one non-geostationary satellite. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the present disclosure, process 1700 may be performed by any suitable device capable of supporting communication-related operations.

At block 1702, the device (eg, GN) determines a Neighbor Cell List (NCL) containing beam indication information for at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include other beam indication information for at least one other satellite. For example, the neighboring cell list may include first beam instruction information for the first satellite, second beam instruction information for the second satellite, and so on. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite irradiation information, including beam indication information. In some embodiments, the satellite irradiation information may include pitch irradiation information and / or roll irradiation information. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite attitude information.

The beam indication information can take various forms. In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include elevation, azimuth, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the beam pointing information may include at least one beam pointing angle. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one elevation angle relative to the airframe of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one elevation angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the movement of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one azimuth relative to the direction perpendicular to the movement of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one azimuth relative to the airframe of at least one satellite.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include attitude information. In some embodiments, the posture information may include pitch, roll, yaw, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the posture information can be defined by an equation.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include pitch information. In some embodiments, the pitch information may include the pitch of the satellite beam for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the pitch information can be defined by an equation. In some embodiments, the pitch information may include at least one of pitch scale, start pitch, end pitch, flip pitch, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include roll information. In some embodiments, the roll information may include a roll of satellite beams for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the role information can be defined by an expression. In some embodiments, the roll information may include at least one of roll size, start roll, end roll, flip roll, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include yaw information. In some embodiments, the yaw information may include the yaw of a satellite beam for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, yaw information can be defined by an expression. In some embodiments, the yaw information may include at least one of yaw scale, start yaw, end yaw, flip yaw, or any combination thereof.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 1620 for determination in Figure 16 performs the operation of block 1702. In some implementations, the decision code 1630 in Figure 16 is executed to perform the operation of block 1702.

At block 1704, the device sends a list of neighboring cells to the wireless communication node. For example, the GN may send a list of neighboring cells to the UT.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 1622 for transmission in Figure 16 performs the operation of block 1704. In some implementations, the code 1632 for transmission in Figure 16 is executed to perform the operation of block 1704.

In some embodiments, the device may perform any of the operations discussed above for FIG. 17, or any combination thereof.

The second exemplary process FIG. 18 shows process 1800 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Process 1800 can be performed within a processing circuit (eg, processing circuit 1610 in FIG. 16) that can be located in the GN or some other suitable device. In some implementations, Process 1800 can be run by GN for at least one non-geostationary satellite. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the present disclosure, process 4100 may be performed by any suitable device capable of supporting communication-related operations.

At block 1802, the device (eg, GN) determines a Neighbor Cell List (NCL) containing at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include at least one other starting angle and span for at least one other satellite. For example, the neighboring cell list may include a first starting angle and span for the first satellite, a second starting angle and span for the second satellite, and so on. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite irradiation information including at least one starting angle and span. In some embodiments, the satellite irradiation information may include pitch irradiation information and / or roll irradiation information. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite attitude information.

In some embodiments, at least one starting angle and span can be measured at elevation and azimuth. For example, at least one starting angle and span can be for at least one elevation angle. As another example, at least one start angle and span can be for at least one azimuth angle. Also, at least one start angle and span can be for at least one yaw angle.

At least one starting angle can be determined (eg, calculated) in various ways. In some embodiments, the starting angle can be calculated based on at least one satellite pitch of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the starting angle can be calculated based on the position of at least one satellite of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the starting angle can be calculated based on at least one beam-on time and / or beam-off time for at least one satellite.

At least one span can be determined in various ways. In some embodiments, the at least one span can be calculated based on at least one beam-on time and / or beam-off time for at least one satellite.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 1620 for determination in Figure 16 performs the operation of block 1802. In some implementations, the decision code 1630 in Figure 16 is executed to perform the operation of block 1802.

At block 1804, the device sends a list of neighboring cells to the device. For example, the GN may send a list of neighboring cells to the UT.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 1622 for transmission in Figure 16 performs the operation of block 1804. In some implementations, the code 1632 for transmission in Figure 16 is executed to perform the operation of block 1804.

In some embodiments, the device may perform any of the operations discussed above for FIG. 18, or any combination thereof.

A third exemplary process FIG. 19 shows a process 1900 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Process 1900 may be performed within a processing circuit (eg, processing circuit 1610 in FIG. 16) that may be located in the GN or some other suitable device. In some implementations, process 1900 may be performed by GN for at least one non-geostationary satellite. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the present disclosure, process 4200 may be performed by any suitable device capable of supporting communication-related operations.

At block 1902, the device (eg, GN) determines the position of the UT.

At block 1904, the device identifies satellites in the vicinity of the UT.

At block 1906, the device determines the beam information for each satellite. For example, for each satellite, the device may determine beam indication information, beam indication angle, start angle, span, or any combination thereof.

At block 1908, the device produces a neighboring cell list containing beam information for each satellite.

At block 1910, the device sends a list of neighboring cells to the UT.

In some embodiments, the device may perform any of the operations discussed above for FIG. 19, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, process 1900 may be performed in addition to (eg, with) process 1700 in FIG. 17 or process 1800 in FIG. 18 or as part thereof. For example, blocks 1902 to 1908 may correspond to block 1702 of FIG. 17 or block 1802 of FIG. 18, while block 1910 may correspond to block 1704 of FIG. 17 or block 1804 of FIG.

A second exemplary device Figure 20 shows a block diagram of an exemplary hardware implementation of another device 2000 configured to communicate, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. For example, device 2000 may be embodied or implemented within a UT or some other type of device that supports satellite communications. In various implementations, the device 2000 may be embodied or mounted within a vehicle component, or any other electronic device having a circuit.

The device 2000 includes a communication interface (eg, at least one transceiver) 2002, a storage medium 2004, a user interface 2006, a memory device 2008 (for example, storing NCL information 2018), and a processing circuit (eg, at least one processor) 2010. including. In various implementations, the user interface 2006 is one of a keypad, display, speaker, microphone, touch screen display, or some other circuit for receiving input from or sending output to the user. Or it may include more than one. Communication interface 2002 may be coupled to one or more antennas 2012 and may include transmitter 2014 and receiver 2016. In general, the components of FIG. 20 can be similar to the corresponding components of device 1600 of FIG.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the processing circuit 2010 is any of the features, processes, functions, operations, and / or routines for any or all of the devices described herein. Or it can be adapted to do everything. For example, the processing circuit 2010 may be configured to perform any of the steps, functions, and / or processes described with respect to FIGS. 1-15 and 21-23. The term "fitted" with respect to processing circuit 2010 means that processing circuit 2010 is configured to perform a particular process, function, operation and / or routine according to the various features described herein. Can refer to one or more of being used, implemented, and / or programmed.

The processing circuit 2010 is an application-specific integrated circuit (eg, a structure for that purpose) that serves as a means (eg, a structure) for performing any one of the operations described with respect to FIGS. 1-15 and 21-23. It can be a special processor, such as an ASIC). The processing circuit 2010 serves as an example of means for transmitting and / or receiving. In various implementations, the processing circuit 2010 may provide and / or incorporate at least some of the functionality described above for the functionality of the GN controller 250 in FIG.

According to at least one example of apparatus 2000, the processing circuit 2010 may include one or more of a circuit / module 2020 for receiving, or a circuit / module 2022 for identifying. In various implementations, the circuit / module 2020 for reception or the circuit / module 2022 for identification provides at least some of the functionality described above for the functionality of the GN controller 250 in Figure 2. / Or can be incorporated.

As mentioned above, when the programming stored by the storage medium 2004 is performed by the processing circuit 2010, the processing circuit 2010 is one of the various functions and / or processing operations described herein. Or run more than one. For example, programming can cause the processing circuit 4910 to perform various functions, steps, and / processes described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-15 and 21-23 in various implementations. .. As shown in FIG. 20, the storage medium 2004 may include one or more of the code 2030 for receiving or the code 2032 for identifying. In various implementations, code 2030 to receive or code 2032 to identify the features described herein for circuit / module 2020 to receive or circuit / module 2022 to identify. It can be performed to provide or otherwise used.

The circuit / module 2020 for receiving is, for example, a circuit and / or programming adapted to perform some functions relating to receiving information (eg, stored in storage medium 2004, for receiving). Code 2030) can be included. In some scenarios, the circuit / module 2020 to receive takes information (eg, from communication interface 2002, a memory device, or some other component of device 2000) and processes the information (eg, decryption). Can be. In some scenarios (for example, if the circuit / module 2020 to receive is an RF receiver or contains it), the circuit / module 2020 to receive will receive the information directly from the device that sent the information. Can be received. In any case, the circuit / module 2020 for receiving may use the acquired information as another component of device 2000 (eg, circuit / module 2022 for identification, memory device 2008, or some other component). Can be output to.

Circuits / modules 2020 for receiving (eg, means for receiving) can take various forms. In some embodiments, the circuit / module 2020 for receiving may be, for example, an interface (eg, a bus interface, a transmit / receive interface, or some other type of signal interface), a communication device, a transceiver, a receiver, or a book. It may correspond to some other similar component as discussed herein. In some implementations, the communication interface 2002 includes a circuit / module 2020 for receiving and / or a code 2030 for receiving. In some implementations, the circuit / module 2020 for receiving and / or the code 2030 for receiving is configured to control the communication interface 2002 (eg, a transceiver or receiver) to receive information. Ru.

In some scenarios, the information received may include a list of neighboring cells. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include beam instruction information for at least one satellite.

The circuit / module 2022 for identification is, for example, a circuit and / or programming adapted to perform some functions relating to the identification of information (eg, stored on storage medium 2004, for identification). Code 2032) can be included. In some embodiments, the circuit / module 2022 for identification (eg, means for identification) may correspond to, for example, a processing circuit.

In some embodiments, the identifying circuit / module 2022 may identify the target beam based on a list of neighboring cells. First, the circuit / module 2022 for identification may obtain neighbor cell list information (eg, from circuit / module 2020 for receiving, memory device 2008, or some other component). The circuit / module 2022 for identification then determines which beam of which satellite can serve device 2000. In some embodiments, the identifying circuit / module 2022 may perform one or more of the operations described above in connection with FIGS. 12-15 to identify the target beam. The circuit / module 2022 for identification may then output the identified information (eg, to communication interface 2002, memory device 2008, or some other component).

21 to 23 illustrate an example of retrieving a neighboring cell list from a device, where the neighboring cell list contains beam information for at least one satellite. FIG. 21 illustrates an example in which the beam information includes beam instruction information. FIG. 22 illustrates an example where the beam information includes the start time and span. FIG. 23 illustrates the exemplary use of beam information for idle mode reselection. In other implementations, other types of beam information may be used. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth.

Fourth exemplary process Figure 21 shows process 2100 for communication, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Process 2100 may be performed within a processing circuit (eg, processing circuit 2010 in FIG. 20) that may be located in the UT or some other suitable device. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the present disclosure, process 2100 may be performed by any suitable device capable of supporting communication-related operations.

At block 2102, the device (eg, UT) receives a Neighbor Cell List (NCL) containing beam indication information for at least one satellite. For example, the UT may receive a list of neighboring cells from the GN.

In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include other beam indication information for at least one other satellite. For example, the neighboring cell list may include first beam instruction information for the first satellite, second beam instruction information for the second satellite, and so on. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite irradiation information, including beam indication information (eg, used to identify the satellite irradiation area). In some embodiments, the satellite irradiation information may include pitch irradiation information and / or roll irradiation information. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite attitude information.

The beam indication information can take various forms. In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include elevation, azimuth, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the beam pointing information may include at least one beam pointing angle. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one elevation angle relative to the airframe of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one elevation angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the movement of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one azimuth relative to the direction perpendicular to the movement of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one azimuth relative to the airframe of at least one satellite.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include attitude information. In some embodiments, the posture information may include pitch, roll, yaw, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the posture information can be defined by an equation.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include pitch information. In some embodiments, the pitch information may include the pitch of the satellite beam for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the pitch information can be defined by an equation. In some embodiments, the pitch information may include at least one of pitch scale, start pitch, end pitch, flip pitch, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include roll information. In some embodiments, the roll information may include a roll of satellite beams for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the role information can be defined by an expression. In some embodiments, the roll information may include at least one of roll size, start roll, end roll, flip roll, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include yaw information. In some embodiments, the yaw information may include the yaw of a satellite beam for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, yaw information can be defined by an expression. In some embodiments, the yaw information may include at least one of yaw scale, start yaw, end yaw, flip yaw, or any combination thereof.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 2020 for reception in Figure 20 performs the operation of block 2102. In some implementations, the code 2030 for receiving in Figure 20 is executed to perform the operation of block 2102.

At block 2104, the device identifies the target beam based on the list of neighboring cells. For example, as discussed above, the UT may select the beam with the highest dot product for the closest orbital plane or the second closest orbital plane. In some embodiments, target beam identification identifies a set of satellites for which satellite attitude and irradiation information is available in the UT, and identifies one of the satellite sets that provides coverage for the UT. Can include doing.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 2022 for identification in Figure 20 performs the operation of block 2104. In some implementations, the identification code 2032 in Figure 20 is executed to perform the operation of block 2104.

At optional block 2106, the device may receive a signal via the target beam identified at block 2104. In some implementations, the circuit / module 2020 for reception in Figure 20 performs the operation of block 2106. In some implementations, the code 2030 for receiving in Figure 20 is executed to perform the operation of block 2106.

In some embodiments, the device may perform any of the operations discussed above for FIG. 21, or any combination thereof.

Fifth Illustrative Process FIG. 22 shows a process 2200 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Process 2200 may be performed within a processing circuit (eg, processing circuit 2010 in FIG. 20) that may be located in the UT or some other suitable device. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the present disclosure, process 2200 may be performed by any suitable device capable of supporting communication-related operations.

At block 2202, the device (eg, UT) receives a Neighbor Cell List (NCL) containing the starting angle and span for at least one satellite. For example, the UT may receive a list of neighboring cells from the GN. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite irradiation information (eg, used to identify the satellite irradiation area) that includes at least one starting angle and span. In some embodiments, the satellite irradiation information may include pitch irradiation information and / or roll irradiation information. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may include satellite attitude information.

In some embodiments, at least one starting angle and span can be measured at elevation and azimuth. For example, at least one starting angle and span can be for at least one elevation angle. As another example, at least one start angle and span can be for at least one azimuth angle. Also, at least one start angle and span can be for at least one yaw angle.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 2020 for reception in Figure 20 performs the operation of block 2202. In some implementations, the code 2030 for receiving in Figure 20 is executed to perform the operation of block 2202.

At block 2204, the device identifies the target beam based on the list of neighboring cells. For example, the UT may sort satellites by distance and select the closest satellite within which Δel (and optionally Δaz) is within the range defined in the neighboring cell list as discussed above. In some embodiments, target beam identification may include exploring at least one cell associated with at least one satellite. In some embodiments, target beam identification identifies a set of satellites for which satellite attitude and irradiation information is available in the UT, and identifies one of the satellite sets that provides coverage for the UT. Can include doing.

In some implementations, the circuit / module 2022 for identification in Figure 20 performs the operation of block 2204. In some implementations, the identification code 2032 in Figure 20 is executed to perform the operation of block 2204.

At optional block 2206, the device may receive a signal via the target beam identified at block 2204. In some implementations, the circuit / module 2020 for reception in Figure 20 performs the operation of block 2206. In some implementations, the code 2030 for receiving in Figure 20 is executed to perform the operation of block 2206.

In some embodiments, the device may perform any of the operations discussed above for FIG. 22, or any combination thereof.

Sixth exemplary process FIG. 23 shows process 2300 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Process 2300 may be performed within a processing circuit (eg, processing circuit 2010 in FIG. 20) that may be located in the UT or some other suitable device. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the present disclosure, process 2300 may be performed by any suitable device capable of supporting communication-related operations.

At block 2302, the device (eg, UT) receives a broadcast message from the satellite. For example, a broadcast message can take the form of a broadcast information block.

At block 2304, the device extracts neighboring cell list information from the broadcast message. For example, neighbor cell list information may include satellite identification information, satellite reference time, attitude profile, and beam list information. As another example, the neighbor cell list information may include satellite identification information, entry lifetime, delta elevation, delta azimuth, and delta yaw angle.

At block 2306, the device identifies the best beam (eg, for reselection) based on neighboring cell list information. For example, the device may perform the beam selection algorithm discussed above in connection with FIG. As another example, the device may perform the satellite selection algorithm described above in connection with FIG.

At block 2308, the appliance determines that reselection is required. For example, the device may subsequently be within the coverage area of a different satellite.

At block 2310, the appliance reselects the beam identified at block 2306.

In some embodiments, the device may perform any of the operations discussed above for FIG. 23, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, process 2300 may be performed in addition to (eg, with) process 2100 in FIG. 21 or process 2200 in FIG. 22 or as part thereof. For example, blocks 2302 and 2304 may correspond to block 2102 in FIG. 21 or block 2202 in FIG. 22, while block 2306 may correspond to block 2104 in FIG. 21 or block 2204 in FIG.

Seventh Illustrative Process FIG. 24 shows a process 2400 for communication according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Process 2400 may be performed within a processing circuit (eg, processing circuit 2010 in FIG. 20) that may be located in the UT or some other suitable device. Of course, in various aspects within the scope of the present disclosure, process 2400 may be performed by any suitable device capable of supporting communication-related operations.

At block 2402, the device (eg, UT) identifies a set of satellites for which satellite attitude and irradiation information is available at the user terminal. In some embodiments, identifying a set of satellites may include identifying at least one first satellite in a position where the user terminal can point an antenna.

At block 2404, the device identifies a satellite in a set of satellites that provides coverage to the user terminal. In some embodiments, identifying a satellite that provides coverage to a user terminal comprises identifying at least one second satellite of at least one identified first satellite that can currently provide coverage to the user terminal. obtain. In some embodiments, identifying satellites that provide coverage to a user terminal identifies multiple satellites in a set that can currently provide coverage to the user terminal and multiple orbits in which these multiple satellites are present. Identifying a surface, identifying the orbital plane closest to the user terminal among multiple orbital planes, and identifying one of the satellites closest to the user terminal on any of the identified orbital planes. May include identifying.

At block 2406, the device communicates via the identified satellite.

In some embodiments, the device may perform any of the operations discussed above for FIG. 24, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, process 2400 may be performed in addition to (eg, with) process 2100 in FIG. 21 or process 2200 in FIG. 22 or as part thereof. For example, blocks 2402 and 2404 may correspond to block 2104 of FIG. 21 or block 2204 of FIG. 22, while block 2406 may correspond to block 2106 of FIG. 21 or block 2206 of FIG.

Additional Aspects The present disclosure relates to, in some embodiments, determining a neighboring cell list containing a starting angle and span for at least one satellite and transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may further include at least one other starting angle and span for at least one other satellite. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node may include a user terminal. In some embodiments, the at least one starting angle and span can be for at least one elevation angle. In some embodiments, the at least one start angle and span can be for at least one azimuth angle. In some embodiments, the at least one start angle and span can be for at least one yaw angle. In some embodiments, the determination of the neighboring cell list is at least one satellite pitch of at least one satellite, at least one satellite position of at least one satellite, at least one beam on / off time of at least one satellite, or these. It may include calculating at least one starting angle based on at least one of any combination of. In some embodiments, the determination of the neighboring cell list may include calculating at least one span based on at least one beam on / off time for at least one satellite.

The present disclosure relates to receiving a neighboring cell list containing a starting angle and span for at least one satellite and identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the signal may be received via the identified target beam. In some embodiments, the angle can be measured in elevation and azimuth. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may further include at least one other starting angle and span for at least one other satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one starting angle and span can be for at least one elevation angle. In some embodiments, the at least one start angle and span can be for at least one azimuth angle. In some embodiments, the at least one start angle and span can be for at least one yaw angle. In some embodiments, target beam identification may include exploring at least one cell associated with at least one satellite.

The present disclosure relates to, in some embodiments, determining a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite and transmitting the neighboring cell list to the device. The present disclosure relates to receiving a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite and identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the signal may be received via the identified target beam. In some embodiments, these embodiments may be performed by the user terminal. In some embodiments, the neighboring cell list may further include other beam indication information for at least one other satellite.

In some embodiments, the beam pointing information may include at least one beam pointing angle. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one elevation angle relative to the airframe of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one elevation angle relative to the direction perpendicular to the movement of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one azimuth relative to the direction perpendicular to the movement of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the at least one beam pointing angle may include at least one azimuth relative to the airframe of at least one satellite. In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include elevation, azimuth, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the beam indication information may include attitude information, pitch information, roll information, yaw information, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the posture information may include pitch, roll, yaw, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the pitch information may include the pitch of the satellite beam for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination. In some embodiments, the pitch information may include at least one of pitch scale, start pitch, end pitch, flip pitch, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the roll information may include a roll of satellite beams for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the roll information may include at least one of roll size, start roll, end roll, flip roll, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the yaw information may include the yaw of a satellite beam for at least one of a particular latitude, a particular time instance, a particular time period, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the yaw information may include at least one of yaw scale, start yaw, end yaw, flip yaw, or any combination thereof.

Other Aspects The examples described herein are provided to illustrate some of the concepts of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrations and other examples may fall within the claims of the present disclosure and attachment. Based on the teachings herein, the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other embodiment, and two or more of these embodiments may be combined in various ways. Those skilled in the art should understand that there may be cases. For example, the device may be implemented or the method may be practiced using any number of aspects described herein. In addition, even if such a device is implemented in addition to or using one or more of the embodiments described herein, or using other structures, functions, or structures and functions. Well, or such methods may be practiced.

As will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art, the various aspects described throughout this disclosure may be extended to any suitable telecommunications system, network architecture, and communication standards. As an example, various embodiments may apply to wide area networks, peer-to-peer networks, local area networks, other suitable systems, or any combination thereof, including those described by standards that have not yet been defined. ..

Many aspects are described, for example, with respect to a series of activities that will be performed by elements of a computing device. The various activities described herein include specific circuits such as central processing units (CPUs), graphic processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gates. It may be executed by an array (FPGA), or various other types of general purpose or dedicated processors or circuits, by program instructions executed by one or more processors, or both. It will be recognized that it may be performed by a combination. In addition, these series of activities described herein, in any form, store the corresponding set of computer instructions that, when performed, cause the associated processor to perform the functions described herein. It can be considered to be fully embodied within a computer-readable storage medium. Accordingly, various aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in several different forms, all of which are believed to be within the claims. Further, for each aspect described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspect is described herein, for example, as "logic configured to perform the described operation". There are times.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the above description are voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic or magnetic particles, light fields or optical particles, or any of them. It can be expressed by a combination.

In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with aspects disclosed herein that include electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. You will understand that it can be implemented as. To articulate this compatibility between hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above in general with respect to their functionality. Whether such a function is implemented as hardware or software depends on specific application examples and design constraints imposed on the entire system. Those skilled in the art may perform the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but the judgment of such implementation should be construed as causing a deviation from the scope of the present disclosure. is not.

One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions shown above may be reconstructed and / or combined as a single component, step, feature, or function. , Or may be embodied in some component, step, or function. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. The devices, devices, and / or components shown above may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. Also, the novel algorithms described herein may be efficiently implemented in software and / or incorporated into hardware.

It should be understood that the particular order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method is an illustration of an exemplary process. It is understood that the particular order or hierarchy of steps in the method may be reconstructed based on design preferences. The claims of the attached method present the elements of the various steps in an exemplary order and are intended to be limited to the particular order or hierarchy presented, unless otherwise stated in the claims. It is not something to do.

The methods, sequences or algorithms described with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in software modules executed by a processor, or in combination thereof. The software module resides in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Can be. An example of a storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write the information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor.

The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "act as an example, an example, or an example." Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Similarly, the term "aspect" does not need to include all aspects discussed features, advantages, or modes of operation.

The terms used herein are intended to describe only certain aspects and are not intended to limit the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" shall also include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates. The terms "comprises, comprising" or "includes, including" as used herein refer to the presence of the features, integers, steps, actions, elements, or components described. As stated, it will be further understood that it does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, behaviors, elements, components, or groups thereof. In addition, the term "or" has the same meaning as the Boolean operator "OR", that is, it includes the possibility of "any" and "both" and is "exclusive OR" unless otherwise specified. Please understand that it is not limited to "Japanese" ("XOR"). It should also be understood that the symbol "/" between two adjacent words has the same meaning as "or" unless otherwise specified. Further, phrases such as "connected to", "connected to", or "communication with" are not limited to direct connections unless otherwise specified.

Any reference to elements using designations such as "first", "second", etc. herein generally does not limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements or examples of elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not mean that only two elements can be used there, or that the first element must somehow precede the second element. .. Also, unless otherwise stated, a set of elements may comprise one or more elements. In addition, the term in the form of "at least one of a, b, or c" or "a, b, c, or any combination thereof" as used in the description or claim is "a or b." Or c or any combination of these elements. " For example, the term may include a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or a and b and c, or 2a, or 2b, or 2c, or 2a and b.

The term "determining" as used herein includes a wide variety of activities. For example, "deciding" means calculating, calculating, processing, deriving, investigating, and looking up (for example, looking up in a table, database, or another data structure). , Confirmation, etc. may be included. Also, "deciding" may include receiving (eg, receiving information), accessing (eg, accessing data in memory), and the like. Also, "deciding" may include solving, choosing, choosing, establishing, and the like.

Although the above disclosure is exemplary, it should be noted that various changes and amendments may be made herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The functions, steps or activities of the method claims according to the embodiments described herein need not be performed in any particular order, unless otherwise specified. In addition, the element may be described or claimed in the singular, but the plural is conceivable unless the limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

100 satellite communication system
106 Infrastructure
108 Internet
110 PSTN
112 Forward feeder link
114 Return Feeder Link
116 Return Service Link
118 Forward service link
122 controller
124 Neighboring cell list information
126 controller
200 GN
201 GN, terrestrial network
205 antenna
210 RF subsystem
212 RF transceiver
214 RF controller
216 antenna controller
220 Digital Subsystem
222 Digital receiver
224 Digital transmitter
226 BB processor
228 CTRL processor
230 PSTN interface
232 Processing circuit
234 Memory device
236 NCL controller
240 LAN interface
245 GN interface
250 GN controller
251 Local time / frequency / location criteria
300 satellites
301F Forward feeder link
301R Return Feeder Link
302F Forward feeder link
302R Return Feeder Link
310 Forward transponder
311 1st bandpass filter
312 First low noise amplifier
313 frequency converter
314 Second low noise amplifier
315 Second bandpass filter
316 power amplifier
320 Return transponder
321 First bandpass filter
322 First low noise amplifier
323 frequency converter
324 Second low noise amplifier
325 Second bandpass filter
326 power amplifier
330 oscillator
340 controller
351 Forward link antenna
352 Forward link antenna
361 Return link antenna
362 Return link antenna
400 user terminal
401 user terminal
410 antenna
412 Duplexer
414 analog receiver
416 Digital data receiver
418 Searcher receiver
420 control processor
422 Digital Baseband Circuit
426 Transmission modulator
428 Digital transmit power controller
430 analog transmit power
432 memory
434 Local time / frequency / location criteria
442 Processing circuit
444 memory device
446 NCL controller
450 UE interface circuit
500 user equipment
501 User Equipment
502 LAN interface
504 antenna
506 WAN transceiver
508 WLAN transceiver
510 SPS receiver
512 processor
514 motion sensor
516 memory
518 data
520 instructions
522 User interface
524 Microphone / Speaker
526 keypad
528 display
600 communication system
602 First device
604 Second device
606 Neighboring cell list
608 transmitter
610 Neighboring cell list information
612 receiver
614 Neighboring cell list
700 Non-geostationary satellite communication system
702 UT
704 Ground network
712 NAC
714 RF subsystem
716 CNCP
718 CNUP
720 Other networks
722 NCL information
724 Neighbor cell list message
726 Neighbor cell list message
728 NCL information
802 BIB1
804 Sequence number
806 segment count
808 1st segment
Neighboring cell list with 810 beam and attitude profile
812 Subsequent segment
814 segment number
Neighboring cell list with 816 beam and attitude profile
818 Sequence number
906 Beam broadcasting NCL
912 Direction of movement
1000 beam pattern
1002 seams
1010 Direction of movement
1012 Direction of movement
1100 BIB schedule
1102 BIB4 window
1104 BIBe window
1106 BIB2 window
1108 BIB3 window
1302 satellite
1304 UT
1306 Projection of UT onto the orbital plane of the satellite
1308 Direction of UT projection with respect to the orbital plane of the satellite
1310 Nadir direction
1502 pitch
1504 yo
1506 roll
1600 equipment
1602 communication interface
1604 storage medium
1606 user interface
1608 memory device
1610 processing circuit
1612 antenna
1614 transmitter
1616 receiver
1618 NCL information
1620 Circuit / module to determine
1622 Circuit / module for transmission
1624 Circuit / module for calculation
1630 Code to determine
1632 Code to send
1634 Code to calculate
1700 process
1800 process
1900 process
2000 equipment
2002 communication interface
2004 Storage medium
2006 user interface
2008 memory device
2010 processing circuit
2012 antenna
2014 transmitter
2016 receiver
2018 NCL Information
2020 Circuit / Module for receiving
2022 Circuit / module to identify
2030 Code to receive
2032 Code to identify
2100 process
2200 process
2300 process
2400 process

Claims (15)

A method of communication in a terrestrial network
With the step of determining a neighboring cell list containing at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite for the next cell reselection of the user terminal,
A step of transmitting the Neighbor Cell List to the User Terminal in a Broadcast Information Block (BIB) message, the corresponding sequence in which the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment associated with the Neighbor Cell List. A method comprising a number and a step comprising a portion of the neighboring cell list. The method of claim 1, wherein the neighboring cell list further comprises at least one other starting angle and span for at least one other satellite. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one starting angle and span is for at least one elevation angle, for at least one azimuth angle, or for at least one yaw angle. .. The decision in the neighborhood cell list
At least one satellite pitch of the at least one satellite, at least one satellite position of the at least one satellite, at least one beam on / off time of the at least one satellite, or at least one of any combination thereof. A step of calculating one or more of the at least one start angle and one or more start angles of the span based on, or
The method of claim 1, comprising calculating one or more spans of the at least one start angle and span based on at least one beam on / off time of the at least one satellite. It ’s a device for communication.
A means for determining a neighboring cell list containing at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite for the next cell reselection of the user terminal, and
A means for transmitting the Neighbor Cell List to the User Terminal in a Broadcast Information Block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment associated with the Neighbor Cell List. An apparatus comprising a means, comprising a sequence number to be used and a part of the neighboring cell list. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer-executable code, which, when executed by the computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Medium. It ’s a method of communication,
A step of receiving a neighboring cell list containing at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite in a broadcast information block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment having. , A step comprising a corresponding sequence number associated with the neighbor cell list and a portion of the neighbor cell list.
A method comprising the step of identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. It ’s a device for communication.
A means for receiving a neighboring cell list containing at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite in a broadcast information block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments and each Means, wherein the segment comprises a corresponding sequence number associated with the Neighbor Cell List and a portion of the Neighbor Cell List.
A device comprising a means for identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. A computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable code, said code.
To receive a neighboring cell list containing at least one starting angle and span for at least one satellite in a broadcast information block (BIB) message, said BIB message comprising several segments, each segment comprising. , Containing a corresponding sequence number associated with the neighbor cell list and a portion of the neighbor cell list.
A computer-readable storage medium containing a code for identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. A method of communication in a terrestrial network
With the step of determining a neighboring cell list containing beam indication information for at least one satellite for the next cell reselection of the user terminal,
A step of transmitting the Neighbor Cell List to the User Terminal in a Broadcast Information Block (BIB) message, the corresponding sequence in which the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment associated with the Neighbor Cell List. A method comprising a number and a step comprising a portion of the neighboring cell list. It ’s a device for communication.
A means for determining a neighboring cell list containing beam indication information for at least one satellite for the next cell reselection of the user terminal, and
A means for transmitting the Neighbor Cell List to the User Terminal in a Broadcast Information Block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment associated with the Neighbor Cell List. An apparatus comprising a means, comprising a sequence number to be used and a part of the neighboring cell list. A computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable code, said code.
Determining a neighboring cell list containing beam indication information for at least one satellite for the next cell reselection of the user terminal,
Sending the Neighbor Cell List to the User Terminal in a Broadcast Information Block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment being associated with the Neighbor Cell List. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a number and a code for doing so, comprising a portion of said neighbor cell list. It ’s a method of communication,
A step of receiving a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite in a broadcast information block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment having the neighboring cell. A step comprising a corresponding sequence number associated with the list and a portion of the neighboring cell list.
A method comprising the step of identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. It ’s a device for communication.
A means for receiving a neighboring cell list containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite in a broadcast information block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment comprising said. A means comprising a corresponding sequence number associated with a neighbor cell list and a portion of said neighbor cell list.
A device comprising a means for identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list. A computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable code, said code.
Receiving a Neighbor Cell List containing beam instruction information for at least one satellite in a Broadcast Information Block (BIB) message, wherein the BIB message comprises several segments, each segment having said Neighbor Cell. Having a corresponding sequence number associated with the list and a portion of the neighboring cell list.
A computer-readable storage medium containing a code for identifying a target beam based on the neighboring cell list.

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